Galentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I want to take a moment to celebrate one of my dearest friends—the kind of friend who’s there for every season, through the highs and the lows. You know the type: the one you meet and just click with, as if you’ve known each other forever.
Ashley is that friend for me. We met in college, but it wasn’t until after graduation that we became really close. Our friendship cemented during a road trip through Ireland and Spain. We sang and danced at Temple Bar in Dublin, soaked in the energy of Las Fallas in Valencia, and made memories I’ll never forget.
But Ashley isn’t just the friend who makes the good times better—she’s the one who shows up for the hard times, too. She sat by me during chemo when I had cancer and held my hand at my sister’s funeral. She’s the friend you’ll pick up a FaceTime for with a towel on your head, no makeup, because you know she won’t judge.
Today, I want to celebrate Ashley and everything she means to me. She’s the heart behind The Ashley, our sapphire ring—a piece inspired by her loyalty, her strength, and the kind of friendship that’s truly one of a kind.
Love,
Lisa (Sister Sister Founder)
Share a little bit about your background:
I grew up on Long Island and felt lucky to have lots of family nearby. My parents took my brother and I on trips during my childhood which included some fun roadtrips, sometimes to see family in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Virginia, and trips to Florida. I loved spending time with my grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles on weekends and holidays, and have many great memories and photos. As I got older, I made some amazing friends, many who I still consider to be best friends. Middle school and high school brought lifelong friends from awkward and silly teenage years with many inside jokes. My college experience at James Madison University not only brought learning inside and outside of a classroom, but also amazing opportunities and friendships.
What are you up to these days?
I am currently a fiancé planning to marry my best friend next fall. My partner and I are trying to enjoy all the little moments, and are so appreciative of the excitement and support from family and friends. We love our life in DC and are always trying to explore new things the city and surrounding areas have to offer. When we aren’t in the city we love, we are traveling to visit friends and family or exploring a new city through food, drinks, music, and walking.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
People would be surprised to know that: I’m a karaoke queen (my go-to song is “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse), dance fiend, and pogo stick savant.
How do you hope to be remembered?
I hope to be remembered as someone who leaves the world a little bit better and brighter. I have realized that what brings me the most joy is making someone else’s life easier or more joyful. My top love language is acts of service, and I am mindful about where I can offer support to friends, family, and strangers to bring a smile or sigh of relief.
What’s your favorite thing about The Ashley?
I love that the Ashley ring is offered in several color options (I love a variety in life), and that it comes with multiple stones. I am a social butterfly, or Perle Mesta as my mom and grandma would say, and appreciate the group of stones in this ring supporting each other. The sapphires are strong and beautiful, inside and out.
